Pilot Bearing

Replace the pilot bearing/bushing in the flywheel crankshaft bore, requiring transmission and clutch assembly removal to access the bearing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Pilot bearing/bushing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Clutch disc (inspect, replace if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Pressure plate (inspect, replace if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Flywheel bolts (if TTY type) × 6 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 75W-90 synthetic GL-4 — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove exhaust system from catalytic converters back to provide clearance for transmission removal
5. Drain transmission fluid into appropriate container by removing drain plug

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect driveshaft
   Mark the driveshaft and differential flange for proper realignment during installation. Remove the 4 driveshaft flange bolts at the rear differential. Support the driveshaft and slide it rearward out of the transmission output shaft. Plug the transmission output to prevent fluid leakage.
2. 2

   Remove shift linkage and clutch hydraulics
   Disconnect the shift linkage at the transmission by removing the mounting bolts and retaining clips. Disconnect the clutch hydraulic line at the slave cylinder mounted to the transmission bellhousing. Cap the hydraulic line to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Remove the slave cylinder mounting bolts and set aside the cylinder without disconnecting the internal pushrod.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connectors and speedometer cable
   Disconnect the reverse light switch connector, backup lamp switch connector, and any other electrical connectors on the transmission. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) electrical connector from the transmission housing.
4. 4

   Support transmission and remove crossmember
   Position a transmission jack under the transmission and secure with safety chains. Raise the jack slightly to take the weight off the crossmember. Remove the transmission mount bolts at the crossmember, then remove the crossmember mounting bolts to the frame. Remove the crossmember from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Remove transmission-to-bellhousing bolts
   Remove all bellhousing-to-transmission mounting bolts. There are 6 bolts securing the transmission to the bellhousing. Support the transmission weight with the transmission jack throughout this process.
6. 6

   Separate and remove transmission
   Carefully slide the transmission rearward, ensuring the input shaft clears the clutch disc and pilot bearing. Keep the transmission level to avoid binding the input shaft. Once clear of the clutch assembly, lower the transmission on the jack and remove from under the vehicle.
7. 7

   Mark and remove pressure plate
   Use a marker or paint pen to mark the pressure plate position relative to the flywheel for balanced reassembly. Loosen the pressure plate mounting bolts gradually in a criss-cross pattern to prevent warping. Remove all 6 pressure plate bolts and carefully remove the pressure plate and clutch disc. Do not allow the clutch disc to fall.
8. 8

   Inspect flywheel and remove if necessary
   Inspect the flywheel surface for heat checking, cracks, or excessive scoring. If flywheel removal is required for resurfacing, mark the flywheel position relative to the crankshaft flange. Remove the 6 flywheel bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Remove the flywheel from the crankshaft. Note: Flywheel bolts may be torque-to-yield (TTY) type and should be replaced if removed.
   Torque spec

   Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove pilot bearing
   Inspect the pilot bearing in the crankshaft bore for wear, roughness, or noise. To remove, use a pilot bearing puller with internal jaws or a slide hammer with an appropriate internal puller attachment. Insert the puller into the bearing, expand the jaws to grip the inner race, and extract the bearing straight out. Alternatively, pack the bore behind the bearing with grease and use a close-fitting shaft to hydraulically force the bearing out (grease method). Clean the crankshaft bore thoroughly after removal.
10. 10

    Install new pilot bearing
    Verify the new pilot bearing orientation (sealed side typically faces outward). Lightly lubricate the outside diameter of the new bearing with clean engine oil. Using a pilot bearing installation tool or appropriately sized socket/driver that contacts only the outer race, drive the bearing squarely into the crankshaft bore until it is fully seated to the specified depth (typically flush or slightly recessed). Do not strike the inner race. Verify the bearing rotates smoothly after installation.
11. 11

    Reinstall flywheel (if removed)
    Clean the flywheel and crankshaft flange mating surfaces. Align the flywheel to the crankshaft using the alignment marks made during removal. Install new flywheel bolts if the originals are TTY type. Apply threadlocker to bolt threads per manufacturer specification. Install new flywheel bolts and tighten in a star pattern to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify exact value and any torque-to-yield angle sequence for the 8.3L V10). Verify flywheel is seated properly and does not wobble.
    Torque spec

    Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install clutch disc and pressure plate
    Clean the flywheel surface with brake cleaner. Insert the clutch alignment tool through the clutch disc and into the pilot bearing. Position the clutch disc on the flywheel with the disc hub protruding toward the transmission (longer side of hub faces transmission). Position the pressure plate over the clutch disc, aligning with marks made during removal. Install the pressure plate bolts finger-tight. Tighten the pressure plate bolts gradually in a criss-cross pattern to the manufacturer-specified torque. Remove the clutch alignment tool only after all bolts are fully torqued.
13. 13

    Reinstall transmission
    Apply a small amount of high-temperature grease to the transmission input shaft splines (do not over-grease). Position the transmission on the transmission jack and raise into position. Align the input shaft with the clutch disc and pilot bearing. Slide the transmission forward, ensuring the input shaft engages the pilot bearing and the bellhousing aligns with the engine block dowel pins. Do not force the transmission; if it does not slide in smoothly, check alignment. Install all bellhousing-to-transmission bolts and tighten to 61 Nm (45 lb-ft).
14. 14

    Reinstall crossmember and transmission mount
    Position the crossmember and install the frame mounting bolts. Install the transmission mount bolts at the crossmember. Tighten all crossmember and mount bolts to 61 Nm (45 lb-ft). Remove the transmission jack once the transmission is fully supported by the crossmember.
15. 15

    Reconnect components and refill transmission
    Reinstall the clutch slave cylinder and tighten mounting bolts to 27 Nm (20 lb-ft). Reconnect the clutch hydraulic line. Reconnect all electrical connectors and speedometer cable. Reconnect the shift linkage and secure with mounting bolts and clips. Reinstall the driveshaft, aligning marks made during removal, and tighten flange bolts. Reinstall the exhaust system. Refill the transmission with the manufacturer-specified Tremec T56 fluid (verify exact spec and capacity — Viper T56 typically uses a specified ATF/manual transmission fluid, NOT 75W-90 gear oil). Install the drain plug with a new crush washer if equipped and tighten to the specified torque.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications in the sequence described
2. Ensure clutch disc is properly aligned using alignment tool before tightening pressure plate
3. Bleed clutch hydraulic system if air entered the lines during slave cylinder disconnection
4. Verify driveshaft is aligned with marks made during removal to prevent vibration

Verification

• Lower vehicle and reconnect battery
• Start engine and verify no abnormal noises from bellhousing area
• Test clutch pedal operation for proper engagement and disengagement
• Check for fluid leaks at transmission drain plug and hydraulic connections
• Road test vehicle through all gears to verify smooth shifting and proper clutch operation
• Verify no vibration or unusual noises during acceleration and deceleration

More procedures for this vehicle